Zander Goss successfully defends false imprisonment and conversion claim

Zander was instructed by Weightmans on behalf of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis in a claim brought by an unregistered barrister litigant in person arising out of his arrest on 2 February 2017. The Claimant alleged that:

• the arresting officer unreasonably failed to afford him an opportunity to give his side of an allegedly threatening neighbour dispute before arrest;
• the arresting officer stole £200 cash during a search after arrest;
• the arresting officer’s partner and the custody sergeant colluded to cover-up the theft of cash;
• the custody sergeant acted unreasonably in authorising detention;
• the custody inspector unreasonably authorised both a Class A drugs test and the Claimant’s continued detention; and
• an assessment by the Mental Health Liaison nurse in custody was an abusive delay to his release from custody.

In a trial before HHJ Baucher, the Central London County Court heard evidence from the Claimant and four officers, including the arresting officer, custody sergeant, and custody inspector.

The Judge found in the Commissioner’s favour on every issue and rejected the Claimant’s attempts to belatedly add a) necessity of arrest, b) battery by handcuffing, and c) aggravated and exemplary damages to the issues in the case after these were not pleaded. HHJ Baucher dismissed the claim and ordered the Claimant to pay a substantial sum on account of costs pending detailed assessment.

Zander accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ core practice areas and has a particular interest in police and public law.

---

Related barristers

Zander Goss

Call 2017

Related areas

Police Law

---